LeSean McCoy trade nearly involved a different player arriving at Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles spent a good few days in the wake of the surprise LeSean McCoy trade attempting to convince onlookers that they had done the right thing in swapping the running back star for Kiko Alonso.

Nearly very different

Reports today though have revealed that the Buffalo Bills, for whom McCoy will be turning out for next season, had the opportunity to send a different player to Philly in return rather than the talented linebacker.

According to Philadelphia based ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio, the Eagles were hoping to prize away highly rated wide receiver Robert Woods when the offer initially came in to the Bills.

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Paolantonio told radio show, 97.5 The Fanatic:

"The Eagles (asked Buffalo) for either Kiko Alonso or wide receiver Robert Woods, or both...(Bills GM Doug) Whaley hangs up the phone and goes back to Rex Ryan and says, 'It's Alonso or Woods...for McCoy. And they said, 'We'll give them Alonso one-for-one."

Woods or Alonso?

The 22-year-old wide receiver Woods, despite two average seasons in his NFL career to date, is thought of in high regard by the Buffalo hierarchy. He has 1,286 yards and eight touchdowns since arriving in the league in 2013. Giving up the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year in favor of keeping him around proves as much.

It is interesting to learn that the Eagles were initially interested in finding themselves a WR in return for allowing LeSean McCoy to leave however.

With Jeremy Maclin having departed Philadelphia this offseason the wide receiver position is certainly one that needs filling by Chip Kelly and co ahead of the 2015 season. Woods too, at just 22, would have fit perfectly into the Eagles' ambitions for a young roster.

As it is, Woods will likely take up his place as the number two receiver in Buffalo behind fellow youngster Sammy Watkins.

Alonso talents

Although they were rebuffed in their pursuits of a wideout, the Eagles did still snag an incredibly talented player in the form of Kiko Alonso. The Oregon product burst onto the scene in the 2013 season, his four interceptions, five pass deflections, one forced fumble, two sacks and 87 combined tackles showing he was an all-round talent to be reckoned with.

Alonso's 2014 season was, as we all know, ruined by injury - a fact that may have helped the Bills pick him for the exit over over Woods. If he can return to full health in the coming months though Eagles fans won't have too much complaints about how the shocking trade worked out in the end.

What do you think Eagles fans? Would you have rather had WR Robert Woods instead of Kiko Alonso? And are you happy with Philly's offseason moves so far? Let us know in the comments section below...

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